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Prompt: Summary of the story plot of The Prisoner Who Died
1. Summary of the short story The Prisoner Who Died (by Nguyễn Tuân)
The story of The Prisoner Who Died revolves around the character Huấn Cao, a staunch revolutionary with a strong personality, renowned for his beautiful handwriting. However, he is also a prisoner sentenced to death for leading a rebellious group against the regime. The warden, who appreciates beauty and admires Huấn Cao's writing talent, is delighted to learn that the prisoner is being brought to his prison but worries about how to obtain Huấn Cao's handwriting to display in his home. On the night before Huấn's execution, the warden decides to request his handwriting. Initially indifferent, Huấn eventually agrees after understanding the warden's sincerity, even though they are in the grim confines of the prison.
2. The Scenario of The Prisoner Who Died
Nguyễn Tuân sets up a highly ironic scenario with two characters: Huấn Cao and the warden. One is someone who appreciates beauty but holds the power of life and death—the other is a creator of beauty but a condemned prisoner awaiting execution. They meet in the prison, in dire circumstances, adding to the irony.
- Artistic perspective: Both are souls of resonance, sharing harmonious spirits.
- Societal perspective: They stand on opposite ends of the social spectrum: a prisoner opposing the regime, and a representative of the regime's authority.
=> Yet, amidst the prison confines, a 'scene unprecedented in the realm of letters' unfolds:
+ Space for writing: The prison, cramped, damp, and filthy.
+ Time: The night before Huấn Cao's execution.
+ The representative of the regime, also the one requesting handwriting: 'humble and trembling,' 'hands shaking as they hold the ink pot'; after heeding the advice of the condemned Huấn Cao, he bows deeply, clasping his hands, tears streaming down his face, choked with emotion: This misguided soul pays homage.
